According to the included letter, this revolver was part of a 100-piece shipment to Remington-Rand's Propeller Division in Johnson City, New York on February 5, 1943. Most famous in military collecting circles for their contracted 1911A1 pistols, R-R also manufactured the "Hamilton-Standard" propeller on license for a number of military aircraft. Though not made explicit in the letter, Commandos were commonly transferred by the U.S. Government via Colt for defense plant security. Originally shipped with the standard 4 inch barrel, this revolver has been given the "Fitz-Gerald Special" treatment, with a 2 inch barrel (appears to be a factory unit, not a cut down) installed, the hammer bobbed, and the front of the trigger guard cleanly removed. The standard 2" barrel markings are present, with a small "flaming bomb" proof on the left side of the frame and "AC297 49US46" on the butt. Grips are checkered plastic. A hardwood case is included with the pistol, along with the book "Shooting" by J. Henry Fitz-Gerald (which includes a section on the Special), a small pamphlet on the Commando, and two pair of plastic Colt medallion grips (one white, the other brown faux-wood).

Fine as professionally modified to current configuration. Over 80% of the revolver shows a deep, factory-style dark parkerized finish, with some edge wear and handling marks. The underside of the frame and tip of the reduced trigger guard show a dark brown color, with mild spotting, and the hammer a deep black finish. The grips are very good, with some minor dings. Mechanically excellent.